BREAKING: Tinubu shakes up INEC with fresh appointments

President Bola Tinubu has reappointed Dr. Bala Bila as a National Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and nominated six individuals to fill vacant positions within the electoral body. These appointments come after the expiration of the tenures of several current commissioners. A statement released on Friday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed that the new nominees will undergo scrutiny by the Senate before confirmation.

Tinubu selected Professor Mustapha Aliu to replace Professor Abdullahi Zuru as the National Commissioner for the North-West region, and Bashir Muhammed Umar to succeed Professor Muhammad Adamu in the North-Central region. Additionally, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Babalola, the present Resident Electoral Commissioner in Osun State, was nominated to fill the South-West position, replacing Professor Cornelius Ajayi whose term ends on October 24.

For the Resident Electoral Commissioner roles, the President appointed Dr. Samuel Akinjide Akinleye, a retired permanent secretary, to represent Ekiti State. Zahradden Basiru Sanusi from Jigawa State was chosen to take over from Professor Saidu Ahmed Babura. The President has also authorized lifetime pay for recently retired immigration chiefs.

Tinubu urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation process, emphasizing the urgency due to upcoming general elections scheduled for next January. The Senate will review all nominees for confirmation before they take effect.